Revitalization efforts of the Avondale Meadows neighborhood received national attention during a visit from philanthropists Thomas G. Cousins, Warren Buffet, and Julian Robertson during the annual Purpose Built Communities conference held in Indianapolis. Purpose Built Communities, a non-profit organization dedicated to holistic community revitalization has been a key partner in the re-birth of the once blighted east-side neighborhood. Their commitment of a $5 million dollar interest free loan to the Meadows Community Foundation has been instrumental in assisting the nonprofit organization in maintaining the necessary momentum needed to keep Avondale Meadows at the forefront of Indianapolis’ neighborhood revitalization efforts.
With Phase1 construction of one, two and three bedroom apartment units underway, community leaders have announced the launch of Phase 2, which will focus on community support and health in an effort to enhance the quality of life for residents. Plans include a 65,000 square foot Health & Wellness facility that will house an onsite IU Health clinic operated by Healthnet, the Urban Mission branch of the YMCA, the United North East Community Development Corporation and the Meadows Community Foundation. The facility will also include community meeting and conference room space.
The Avondale Meadows neighborhood has been on the upswing for the past several years due to the success of the Challenge Foundation Academy and the Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School. Two of Indianapolis premier charter schools, both celebrate above average academic results. Most recently, the Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School achieved a 100 percent graduation and college acceptance rate and was given Four Star School Status by the Indiana Department of Education, placing Tindley in the top 25 percent of public schools in the State of Indiana.
“The Meadows Community Foundation is grateful for the support from Purpose Built Communities,” said John Neigbours, board president, Meadows Community Foundation. “We are committed to leading the fundraising efforts necessary to ensure the growth and success of the foundation which includes repayment of the loan made by Purpose Built Communities and securing the funds necessary to support Phase 2 of our expansion. We are confident the Indianapolis community will rise to the challenge and provide the financial resources needed to create a facility which will provide access to convenient medical care and preventative health education, thus improving the overall quality of life for east-side residents.”
